The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN and the Nikon 400mm F4.5 VR S for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN is the longer of the two lenses at 236mm. The Nikon 400mm F4.5 VR S with a length of 235mm, is 1mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN also has a larger diameter of 108mm compared to the Nikon 400mm F4.5 VR S's 104mm diameter.
Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN and Nikon 400mm F4.5 VR S to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.
Comparison image of the Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN and the Nikon 400mm F4.5 VR S Size and Weight The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 400mm F4.5 VR S weighs 1245g, 8% (120g) lighter than the Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN's weight of 1365g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN and the Nikon 400mm F4.5 VR S have the same Filter thread size of 95mm .
Below are links to the 95mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Nikon 400mm F4.5 VR S has the Nikon Z lens mount . Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5 , Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Nikon ZR , Nikon Z5 II and RED Komodo-X 6K Z for the Nikon Z Mount.
Focal Range
Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
750mm .
On the other hand, the Nikon 400mm F4.5 VR S is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 400mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 600mm .
